Best Scenic Drives in Maine 2026: Road Trips & Byways

Maine is a state made for road trips. With over 3,500 miles of coastline, vast northern forests, and western mountains, the view from the windshield is often as good as the destination. Scenic byways crisscross Maine, offering travelers a way to see the diverse landscapes at their own pace. Whether you have an hour or a week, these drives deliver the quintessential Maine experience.

Acadia Park Loop Road (Mount Desert Island)

Length: 27 miles Time: 2-3 hours (with stops) Highlights: Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Jordan Pond House, Cadillac Mountain summit road.

This is the crown jewel of Maine scenic drives. The loop encircles the eastern half of Mount Desert Island, offering a highlight reel of Acadia National Park. You’ll drive along high cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, pass through deep spruce forests, and skirt the edges of mountain lakes. Pro Tip: The road is one-way for most of its length. Stick to the right lane for driving and the left lane for parking at scenic overlooks. Early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon is best to avoid congestion.

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway

Length: 35 miles (Route 17 and Route 4) Time: 1-2 hours Highlights: Height of Land, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Coos Canyon.

This route winds through the western mountains and is arguably the most dramatic inland drive in New England. The absolute must-stop is the Height of Land on Route 17. The road climbs a steep ridge and suddenly opens up to a panoramic view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the White Mountains that will take your breath away. It is spectacular in summer and unbelievable during fall foliage.

Old Canada Road (Route 201)

Length: 78 miles (Solon to the Canadian border) Time: 2 hours Highlights: Kennebec River, Robbins Hill Scenic Overlook, Attean Overlook.

Tracing an ancient trade route between Maine and Quebec, this byway follows the Kennebec River through deep wilderness. You’ll pass through The Forks (rafting capital of Maine) and climb into the remote north woods. The Attean Overlook near Jackman offers a view of Attean Pond and the Moose River valley that looks like it hasn’t changed in a thousand years. This is prime moose-spotting territory, especially at dawn and dusk.

Schoodic National Scenic Byway

Length: 29 miles Time: 1-2 hours Highlights: Schoodic Point, Winter Harbor, blueberry barrens.

If the crowds on the Park Loop Road are too much, head east to the Schoodic Peninsula—the only part of Acadia National Park on the mainland. The loop road here is quieter but offers equally dramatic waves crashing against pink granite ledges. You’ll pass through the charming fishing village of Winter Harbor and classic Downeast scenery.

Route 1: The Coastal Artery

Length: Varies (Kittery to Fort Kent is 526 miles) Best Stretch: Bath to Belfast (approx. 60 miles) Highlights: Wiscasset (Red’s Eats), Camden Hills, Penobscot Narrows Bridge.

Route 1 is the main vein of Maine tourism. The stretch from Bath to Belfast takes you through the heart of the Midcoast. You’ll cross the Kennebec and Sheepscot rivers, pass through “the prettiest village in Maine” (Wiscasset), and drive right through the bustling harbor towns of Rockland and Camden. Warning: Traffic can be heavy in July and August. This is not a fast drive; it’s a meandering one.

Pequawket Trail (Route 113)

Length: 60 miles (Standish to Gilead) Time: 1.5 hours Highlights: White Mountain National Forest, Saco River, Evans Notch.

This route hugs the border of Maine and New Hampshire, taking you deep into the White Mountain National Forest. The drive through Evans Notch is narrow, winding, and lush, with trees creating a canopy over the road. It feels wild and remote. There are numerous trailheads for hiking along the way. Note: The northern section of Route 113 is closed in winter.

Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway

Length: 89 miles Time: 3+ hours Highlights: Views of Mount Katahdin, Penobscot River, Baxter State Park access.

This designated byway opens up the North Woods to visitors. It circles the southern and eastern boundaries of Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. The views of Mount Katahdin (Maine’s highest peak) from Ash Hill are stunning. This is a drive for those who want to see the vast, working forest of Maine.

Driving Tips for Maine

Moose Awareness: Moose collisions are dangerous. Moose are most active at dawn and dusk. Their dark fur makes them invisible at night, and their height means their eyes often don’t reflect headlights. Scan the shoulders constantly, especially on Routes 201, 17, and in the north.

Gas Up: In northern and western Maine, gas stations can be 30-50 miles apart. Never let your tank drop below a quarter full in remote areas.

Cell Service: Do not rely on your phone for navigation in the mountains or north woods. Service is spotty to non-existent. Carry a paper map (the Maine Atlas & Gazetteer is the local bible).

Winter Driving: Coastal roads are usually clear, but inland scenic byways can be treacherous or closed seasonally. Snow tires and experience are required for winter road trips in the mountains.

When to Drive

Each season offers a different experience on Maine’s scenic roads:

Spring (May-June): Waterfalls run high, wildflowers bloom, but some mountain roads may still have mud or snow. Fewer crowds.
Summer (July-August): Peak season with full access to all roads. Coastal routes can be congested; inland routes remain quieter.
Fall (Late September-Mid October): Prime time for scenic drives. Foliage transforms every route, but expect crowds at popular overlooks.
Winter (November-April): Many mountain roads close or require chains. Coastal drives remain accessible and offer dramatic storm-watching opportunities.

Planning Your Trip

Allow extra time: Scenic drives are meant to be savored. Budget more time than GPS suggests—you’ll want to stop.
Start with a full tank: Gas stations are sparse on remote routes. Don’t let the tank drop below half.
Download maps offline: Cell service is unreliable on many routes. Have backup navigation.
Pack snacks and water: Services can be limited, especially outside peak season.

The Joy of the Open Road

Maine’s scenic byways offer something increasingly rare in modern travel: the freedom to simply drive, without agenda, stopping when the view demands it. There’s no rush, no schedule, just the road unwinding through some of the most beautiful landscape in the eastern United States.

Whether you’re chasing autumn color on Route 17, watching waves crash below the Park Loop Road, or marveling at the vast wilderness visible from the Old Canada Road, Maine rewards those who take the slow route. The destination matters less than the journey—and in Maine, the journey is spectacular.

Hidden Gem Drives

Beyond the designated scenic byways, several lesser-known routes offer excellent driving:

Route 27 (Kingfield to Stratton): Parallels the Carrabassett River through ski country. Spectacular in any season.
Route 186 (Schoodic Peninsula Loop): A quieter alternative to the Park Loop Road, with excellent coastal scenery.
Route 9 (The Airline): The fastest route from Bangor to Downeast, but surprisingly scenic through blueberry barrens and forests.
Route 182 (Blackwoods Scenic Byway): A winding road through wild Downeast forest, perfect for moose spotting.

Combining Drives with Activities

Scenic drives pair naturally with other Maine activities:

Lighthouse hunting: Many scenic routes pass multiple lighthouses. Create a checklist and stop at each.
Covered bridge tours: Maine has nine remaining covered bridges, several accessible via scenic routes.
Waterfall chasing: The western mountains have dozens of waterfalls within short walks of scenic roads.
Photography: Each route offers signature shots. Research locations before you go.

The Road Trip Mindset

Maine scenic drives work best with the right approach:

Leave the schedule behind: The best moments come from spontaneous stops—that farm stand, that hidden beach, that perfect view.
Travel light: Pack snacks and drinks so you don’t need to interrupt the drive for food runs.
Passengers participate: Have someone navigate, watch for wildlife, and spot photo opportunities.
Return a different way: Many routes can be driven as loops. Seeing the same landscape from the opposite direction reveals new perspectives.

The best scenic drives aren’t measured in miles or hours but in memories: that perfect sunset over the lake, the moose standing in the morning mist, the covered bridge you almost missed, the diner where you stopped for pie. Maine’s roads lead to all of these—if you’re willing to take your time and pay attention.